Gundam Seed: The Federation

by Blackshadow999

Different telling of Gundam Seed. With the conflict between Naturals and Coordinators getting worse as time passes, some nations have banded together and formed the organization known as the Human Federation. Will the Federation be able to help bring peace or will the hatred between Naturals and Coordinators destroy everything and bring extinction of humanity? Cover by SaddlePatch

28. Phase 28: The Whispers of War

A/n

Here is Phase 28, the battle within and without Armory One! I would love to keep up this regularity of posting Phases like I have, but I can't promise that I'll be able to keep this up. Anyways, the standard disclaimer applies and on with the story!

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Phase 28: The Whispers of War

October 2nd, 73 C.E.

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-Neutral pov-

Armory One Interior

Aila maneuvered the Osiris to the wrecked entrance of the hanger and the scene she took in was horrifying. Debris and bodies littered the area, hangers were on fire, damaged and or in ruins in most of the ways Aila looked. To see how much destruction the three stolen machines had brought, was sickening as it was terrifying. The three teens that had taken the machines, had made the prototype mobile suits into war machines. This shouldn't have happened, for the thieves should know nothing about the mobile suits, yet somehow, they did. This situation was unprecedented and yet, this Alliance force had taken everyone and Armory One by complete surprise and now chaos was the result.

It didn't take long for Aila to spot all three of the stolen suits, as they were going around the Armory destroying hangers, blasting mobile suits and killing people as they went. The sight angered Aila, all what was happening was senseless killing, and this was even more than the Alliance would normally pull. Even with the pain in her left shoulder, the feelings of fury helped Aila to dismiss and ignore the pain. The resolve within her strengthened the goal of stopping the three stolen Gundam-type by whatever means necessary, whether that meant destroying them or just capturing them, Aila would see it through to the end.

Aila moved the Osiris out of the hanger and made her way covertly towards the Chaos as it was the closest to her. None of the three other Gundam-type appeared to notice the Osiris moving out into the open at all. The scenes of the Abyss and the Gaia shooting the hangers and other mobile suits that were approaching to stop them, were painful to witness for Aila. The Chaos was firing off its missiles by the time Aila got into range, she aimed her rifle system and fired the beam rifle at the Chaos. The Chaos managed to evade the shot, but it was close, yet Aila didn't stop there, she used the Osiris' rifle system's machine guns to begin pounding the other machine as she moved the Osiris forward, closing the distance between her and the Chaos. Aila added both 95mm twin barrel Vulcans to the barrage, while she stored the rifle weapon system and use one of the close quarters weapons available.

The Chaos was backing up against the barrage, Sting trying to find an opportunity to counter this golden mobile suit but could see none. It had taken seconds for him to realize that his attacker was the unknown fourth mobile suit that he caught sight of back in the hanger the stolen units were from. It had been odd to find a fourth machine, for until seeing it, Neo's information had been exact and accurate in everything. So, how a fourth machine being missed was unexplainable and it had now brought complications. Then, instead of destroying that mobile suit, he and the others of his trio had been told to go by those remaining and that they would handle the unforeseen machine. Clearly, they had failed in that task, for now this machine was they opponents and made things difficult for Sting himself and would be a problem for the others too.

Once Aila got close enough, she drew the "Vajra" beam saber stored in the Osiris' shield, before she crashed into the Chaos with heavy force. The opposing mobile suit stumbled back from the impact and crashed into the ruins of a hanger. Before Aila could disable the Chaos more fully, an alarm then started going off, signaling danger to the left, when Aila turned, the Abyss was gazing her way. It brought up its dual cannons to point at the Osiris, but Aila raised her shield before the Abyss fired. The impact from the projectiles forced the Osiris to slide back a few meters as the shield deflected the shells. Aila stored the beam saber and retrieve the rifle system, the smoke from the explosive shells covering her actions. Aila fired off a bolt from the beam rifle at the Abyss and would have kept up the pressure on the Abyss, but the Chaos had risen and attacked the Osiris.

Aila was forced to leap back from the two mobile suits however, the Chaos moved to be behind the Osiris and began shooting at Aila. As Aila faced the Chaos and fired back, there was an alarm blaring, followed by the Osiris shaking. The forward display informed Aila that one of the Osiris' flight stabilizers had taken a hit, which would make staying in the air more of a challenge going forward. Aila knew that she was in a tough spot and things didn't look to have much of a chance to improve. With her going against two other Gundam-type mobile suits and possibly a third, she was hard pressed to hold her own against them.

Meanwhile, the group around Chairman Durandal and Cagalli Athha were trying to figure out what was going on. It quickly became clear that there was an attack in progress and that the new ZAFT Gundam-type mobile suits were being utilized for the task. The sight of the three prototype machines which had been designed and constructed here that were a part of the second stage series, said things were going wrong. At seeing one of the mobile suits, Athrun's eyes widened, "That's a," he uttered.

Nevertheless, Cagalli finished his thought, "A Gundam-type?!"

Durandal got down to taking charge, the first thing he did was to assign some soldiers to escort Cagalli to safety. The relationship between the PLANT and ZAFT with the Human Federation needed to be maintained for a good future, it was the view of Gilbert Durandal that it would be necessary. After having the Princess of Orb taken to safety, Durandal turned back to the others around him and gave out orders for needed tasks to be done.

The soldiers escorting Cagalli, Athrun and Quatre, led them in the direction of the port. Athrun was on Cagalli's right side, where Quatre was a short distance to her left, as they were moving forward. As the group turned a corner, the scene of two of the mobile suits that had been attacking, fighting a gold mobile suit popped up in front of them. The clash kicked up dirt and debris, Athrun grabbed Cagalli and rushed into the shelter of a standing hanger close by. Quatre went a different way than them, but the two soldiers that had been escorting them, were caught up in the flying debris and vanished in the destruction.

When the dust settled, Cagalli and Athrun looked around and saw wreckage around themselves. Quatre was gone as were the two that had been escorting them, it was just the two of them. Athrun knew that they were still in danger where they were, more so since their group had been split up if not cut down to just the two of them. Athrun pulled Cagalli out of the structure they had sheltered in to the outside, and they began running away from the fight that had appeared ahead of them. Athrun was looking for something to work with to protect Cagalli but was only seeing wrecked mobile suits. Next thing either he or Cagalli knew, they turned a corner and in front of them was the black mobile suit, shooting down other mobile suits. One of the mobile suits that the black suit damaged, fell and crashed into the hanger that Athrun and Cagalli next to, causing an explosion and something to fall through the wall and hit the ground nearby.

After the air cleared of smoke and dust, Athrun glanced around and saw that what had fallen was a mobile suit. The mobile suit was the new mass production model that ZAFT was using within the last year, the ZGMF-1000 ZAKU Warrior. It was light green except the torso which was the a darker green and had a somewhat similar frame as a GINN. There was a shield mounted on the left shoulder that was the same length as a bit more than half the machines and had three spikes coming out of the upper center of the shield's surface. The mobile suits had thrusters in the legs as well as in the back to give it mobility and power.

Athrun rose up from shielding Cagalli from being harming as chunks of what was left of the hanger fell to the ground. He then looked around then looked down at Cagalli, "Are you alright," he asked.

She looked up, "Why… why is this happening Athrun," Cagalli cried.

"I don't know, but we'll be alright," Athrun assured.

"But, it's just us now, Quatre has vanished and he may be dead," Cagalli replied.

Athrun shook his head, "I doubt that he is gone, just separated from us and he'll likely catch up later."

Athrun looked back at the mobile suit they were close to, "We can't say where we are, come on," he said, grabbing Cagalli and rushed for the mobile suit next to them.

They both entered the cockpit, Cagalli a bit hesitant, but Athrun got her to get in. He took the pilot seat while Cagalli was next to him. Athrun began activating the suit's OS and Cagalli worried about this. It had been sometime since Athrun had piloted a mobile suit, as skilled as he was, he was about to possibly go against dangerous opponents and she didn't want Athrun to die. She may not admit it publicly yet, but she was more than fond of Athrun now and wanted to be more than just friends. She hadn't told him her true feelings yet, always putting them off for whatever reason she would come up with. "Athrun wait, are you sure about this? It's been a while since you piloted," Cagalli asked.

"I'm not about to let you die in a place like this," Athrun stated firmly.

The statement made Cagalli's heart skip a beat, for there was a part of her that liked that Athrun saying that he was willing to fight to protect her life. The visual displays came up showing feeds from the outside, which hadn't changed from what they had seen before. The ZAKU's main optical camera flashed on and the rest of the mobile suit responded to Athrun's input. The suit rose, the torso vent letting out steam as the machine came to life and stood to its full height.

Stella inside the Gaia Gundam, noticed movement, turned and saw the ZAKU stand. "Hmm, looks like I missed one, guess I should fix that," muttered Stella to herself.

She brought up the Gaia's beam rifle and pointed it at the ZAKU, then pulled the trigger, but Athrun fired up the ZAKU's rear thruster and evaded the attack, much to Stella's surprise. Then before she could react, her opponent rushed forward and rammed her with its shield. The enemy pilot had caught her off-guard, but Stella wouldn't let them get the better of her.

While fighting continued, the Minerva which was still in the port, had been contacted and ordered to provide support with the situation that had broken out. Unfortunately, all by one of the Minerva's pilots were out. Rey and Lunamaria had gone out to get mobile suits to use, Aila had gone to meet up with the other pilots assigned to the Minerva. Captain Gladys, had set out to bring the Chairman onboard for safety with the potential danger that was now present. The only pilot on the Minerva was Shinn Asuka, and though he was one of the backup pilots for the Impulse, he had never used the mobile suit outside of simulations. That was scheduled for later, for both Shinn and Rey, under Aila Lakeen's supervision. Yet, it only left one choice left in the deputy captain Arthur Trine's mind, order the remaining pilot to take the Impulse Gundam out to the field.

Arthur declared Condition Red, and for all crew members to report to their battle stations, then ordered Shinn Asuka to ready himself to sortie immediately, assigning him the task of recapturing the Gundam-type mobile suits. Shinn had for a moment, thought he had heard wrong, when he was not only to standby to launch in a mobile suit, but in the Core Splendor inferring that he would be using the Impulse Gundam. Yes, Rey had said that Shinn himself would get a chance to prove he could make a difference, but Shinn hadn't imagined that it would happen this soon! Still, he suited up and made his way quickly to the Core Splendor, took a deep breath and got into the cockpit. Even though he had done this what seemed hundreds of times in simulations and practice under the supervision of Aila, this wouldn't be a drill or simulation. This would be the real deal on an actual battlefield and the realization that he would be doing just that was sinking into Shinn as the cockpit closed and sealed.

Shinn decided to use the Sword Silhouette for this sortie, specifically as this would be more close ranged combat. He informed Meyrin and she acknowledged his choice in equipment, "All personnel, standby for the launching of the Impulse," announced Meyrin. "The Sword module has been selected, opening silhouette hanger 2, preparing to load silhouette flyer, standby."

At the bottom of the central elevator system, under the three platforms already in the lift shaft, a fourth platform tracks slid into place for the fourth platform. The storage hanger that had the number "2" on the front, split horizontally open and the fourth platform moved to the central elevator. The platform had what was called the "Sword module" silhouette flyer, a different set of equipment than had been used in the last test flight. The set was intended for close quarters fighting, had two anti-ship swords and two beam boomerangs on the pack. Once the fourth platform was added, the airtight shutters began rising, "Platform setup complete, central catapult on-line, opening airtight shutters," stated Meyrin over the speaker system. The airtight shutters quickly reached the top of the shaft and locked into place, enclosing the lift system. "Emergency crews, standby at launching positions. Raising central catapult to launch position," Meyrin continued.

The four platforms started rising upward towards the linear catapult, Shinn was toggling the last switches to have the OS fully up, his nerves settling now that he was moving upward. "Core Splendor, all systems on-line, the hatch is opening, the linear launch is ready, catapult power levels normal, you will be clear to initiate launch sequence momentarily," Meyrin said to the Shinn in the cockpit. The sight of light became visible to Shinn as the Core Splendor reached the top of the central elevator. Thruster vents rose up behind the craft and the catapult lit up as it activated for launch. "Course cleared, Core Splendor go ahead and launch."

Shinn zoomed out of the Minerva in the Core Splendor and climbed upward after clearing the catapult. Memories of the things that Aila drilled into both Rey and Shinn himself came to mind for Shinn, particularly how he needed to treat the other three fliers as one machine and not separate things. He would need to be the lead for the Impulse modules or the docking sequence would be much more difficult. But, with the amount of times that Shinn had done this exercise, much of this was committed to muscle memory. The three other fliers did take their places up behind the Core Splendor and Shinn flew forward toward the Armory area of the colony.

Back in the Armory section of the colony, Quatre was getting his bearings after getting out of the way of the debris. When the sight of three mobile suits fighting one another had registered, Quatre had followed his instincts and moved into cover. However, doing that had then as a result separated him from Athrun and Representative Athha. Now that Quatre had taken in his immediate surroundings, he found himself alone and debris and panic everywhere, though he was still in the Armory area. With things going the way they were, he knew that he needed to find something to work with, preferably a mobile suit and soon!

So, he moved to the nearest least damaged hanger to see if there was a mobile suit he could pilot. The structure was abandoned, there were dead bodies littering the floor and many of the mobile suits were destroyed or unusable. Yet, then something caught his eye, which got Quatre to move further inside the hanger to get a closer look. The mobile suit Quatre caught sight of from the entrance, was clearly based off of their GUAIZ machine that had been developed close to the end of the First Alliance-PLANT War. It was dark grey overall, with tan for the lighter armored areas such as the joints. The suit had decently powerful looking thrusters on the backpack. There were two railguns, one on either side of the hips along with a shield on the left forearm.

It might not be what Quatre is used to piloting, but it was what there was available, so he would go with it. As a member and part of the Federation Military's Mobile Suit Core, Quatre was no stranger to mobile suits. So, he wasted no more time and got into the cockpit of the suit and brought the machine online. Quatre brought up information on what this suit had for defenses and offensive options. Other than the two railguns that this mobile suit had, there was also a pair of 76mm CIWS guns mounted in the head. For handheld armaments, there as a beam rifle that was decent, not high-energy beam output, but enough. The main defensive article, was a composite shield that was coated with anti-beam coating and it also had beam claws to use.

The main cameras sent their feeds to the surrounding screens, giving the view of the outside. Quatre made the GuAIZ R rise to from where it had fallen to the ground, getting to its feet and looked around. Quatre had gotten outside and taken in his environment, when the blue mobile suit that had been causing chaos came into view and spotted him. The Abyss, soon after seeing the GuAIZ R come out of the hanger, it rushed forward and swung its beam lance at the other suit. Quatre parried the lance with his suit's shield and then punched the Abyss in the torso, forcing it back a short distance. Then the dance between the two mobile suits began in earnest.

While Quatre fought with the Abyss, Athrun was locked in combat with the Gaia. After having forced the opposing mobile suit back, the Gaia stored its beam rifle and drew a beam saber. In response, Athrun had the ZAKU bring out its beam tomahawk and readied himself for close quarters combat. The Gaia charged, but Athrun used his shield to block and tried to get in a hit, but his opponent had more pushing power them he did. Athrun would be okay if he was just going to take on this one suit, but then the green one landed right behind him. Yet, as the Chaos rushed forward to attack the Osiris came down, beam saber in hand, forcing the green unit to dodge and forget Athrun for the time being. Athrun focused back on the Gaia when it was struck from behind and attention shifted to the new comer.

Shinn had flown into the Armory district and instantly had a visual of the destruction and even spotted the Gaia, the Chaos, facing the Osiris and a ZAKU. The Abyss was not within visual range, but Shinn figured that dealing with one machine at a time would be best. He locked in the Gaia as a target and fired the Core Splendor's missiles to take attention off allies. Today would be the day that Shinn showed that he could make a difference, in the same way that Federation mobile suit pilots had for him back when he and his family had lived in Orb, doing so to the best of his abilities. The missiles struck and put the Gaia off balance just before Shinn flew over the battle.

Aila didn't need to look down at the sensor display, she knew the craft well, it was the one she was assigned to pilot after all. The Core Splendor zoomed past the mobile suits on the ground, before moving up and the fliers behind it moved forward. Aila viewed the leg flier me into position to start the docking process, and she couldn't help but wonder who it was in the cockpit, it was likely either Rey or Shinn, they were the backup pilots in an emergency and this certainly qualified as one. The Core Splendor detached its missile launchers and shifted to its docking mode as the leg flier began lining up and activated its laser docking system. Aila hoped and prayed that, whoever it was in the cockpit of the Impulse right now, had been paying attention when she had been explaining the finer points of assembling the mobile suit. For there would unlikely be the opportunity for a second attempt with the stolen machines around.

Shinn maneuvered the Core Splendor in line with the leg flier, remembering what Aila had said about precision and patience being needed for this, the docking process wasn't one to rush and/or screw up. He decelerated as the legs came closer and docked with them and noted that the Impulse's legs connected as they were supposed to and were now responding as expected. Looking ahead, Shinn saw the chest flier already lined up and coming towards him, laser dock aligning started. Shinn then docked the chest flier to complete the Impulse, then readied himself for attaching the Silhouette flier. It came up from behind and connected, flipping the beam boomerangs around and Shinn activated the Impulse's phase shift armor as he descended to the ground. He grabbed both "Excalibur" Anti-Ship laser swords before landing close to the ZAKU facing the Gaia. Shinn then combined the hilts of the swords to have a dual blade, spun the weapon around and readied himself to fight.

Shinn looked from the Gaia and the Chaos, "Whoever you are, this fight stops here, there will not be another war, I won't let that happen!"

Seconds after Shinn had shouted that, the Osiris attacked the Chaos again, "Shinn! Now's not the time for that, focus on dealing with these mobile suits," ordered Aila.

Shinn was surprised to hear Aila's voice, but he did as she ordered and moved forward, sword shifting in preparation to attack the Gaia, which he was going for. And so, the battle between the mobile suits resumed before the Impulse arrived.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

Around Armory One

The moment that the unknown Alliance vessel was disabled, the task of dealing with the stolen data began. We heard the boarding team's side of events as it came through the encrypted channel they were using. They met resistance of course, but it seemed like that this Alliance group hadn't expected anyone boarding them like we were. Every member of the boarding team was armed with an assault rifle and other offensive equipment and they knew how to use them all. It took a little over five minutes for the boarding team to handle dealing with the stolen data and head by to the Normandy. They also managed to hide a tracking beacon on the odd ship, which nullifies mirage colloid as that beacon could announce where they were to those who were tuned in.

However, just before the boarding team finished, the Alliance vessel was able to launch a signal flare, probably done manually. That in turn, got the Alliance mobile suits and mobile armor to look in our direction, and when they came back towards their ship, they were brought to a halt by Luke and his colleagues. Once the boarding team was done, they returned the Normandy, after which, we released the Alliance vessel from the anchor and disruptor cables. Then the Normandy moved forward and away from the Alliance ship. The cleanup part of this job was set to begin, and honestly, I wasn't intending to sit on the bridge and do nothing. I turned to Lisa, "Lisa, can you," I started, but Lisa finished my sentence. "Take over here on the bridge so that you can launch out?"

I blinked twice, then smiled a bit, "I see that you can still anticipate what I'm going to do, even after the time we haven't been working together. You would be correct, can you please," I asked.

She nodded, and that's all I needed to head for the lift to make my way to the hanger, putting on a pilot suit along the way. It took me a few minutes to get to the hanger in a pilot suit, ready to go out. The hanger itself was one of the more organized ones that I've seen or been in and it was kind of unique. There was a rail system on the floor, I assume for the mobile suits to be moved to launch position for the Normandy's catapult. I quickly spotted the one who was running things in the hanger and approached them, "I take it you are the chief here in the hanger and are responsible for keeping this great ship in working order," I posed.

The man I approached looked at me and nodded, "Yeah, darn right I am. Now, who the hell are you and what might your suited rear end be doing in my hanger," he asked bluntly and in a gruff voice.

…Now that's a greeting I can understand and appreciate! I inclined my head, "The name's Tyler McGregor my good man, and I'm down here to launch out to the field."

Most, if not all of those in the hanger had paused and looked my way after my introduction. The man I was talking to stared at me hard for a moment, "McGregor you say, ain't you kind of young to claim you're some kind of war hero kid, let alone the captain of this ship? I can understand fibbin to go out in a mobile suit, but you need to work on the art, cause you are bad at it," the chief said.

I felt irritation shoot through me for a second, for I knew that I would be dealing with others questioning my age in relation to the current position I was in. However, now wasn't the time to do this, "Okay, I know that I look too young to be the captain of this vessel, I flat out told my boss Admiral Raine that when she told me of the promotion and assignment, with a straight face I might add, and that's no small thing with her! I'm well-aware of the annoying rumors about me and what I do, I've spent an unknown amount of time dispelling a great number of them. But, there are people out there under my command and so, are my responsibility and I will not lose anyone that I don't have to period! Now, either you help me by launching my mobile suit, the Aurora, or I launch it myself and you can deal with the mess I make doing so. The choice is up to you," I stated with a deadpanned expression.

There was complete silence except the sounds of battle from the outside for a full half minute, then the chief let out a laugh, "You got serious spunk and moxie kid, I'll give you that. My name is Guy Volyon, and yes, I'm the chief mechanic and boss to all of these and any other mechanics or technicians onboard the Normandy. If you can pilot even half as good as you can talk, then I'll not say no to you going out," he replied, before turning to the rest of those in the hanger. "Right then you slackers, get the Aurora ready to launch now! If I catch any of you shirking off, then you'll do a full double shift under my watch and it ain't going to be comfortable I'll personally make sure of that, now get to your work!"

You know, I think that Chief Volyon and I will get along nicely, he doesn't like taking crap and I can fully agree with that. I checked that my pilot suit was adjusted right and then, floated to my faithful mobile suit, the HFS-Z201 Aurora. I had gotten close to shedding tears when I was told that the Aurora had taken so much damage during the Second Battle of Jachin Due that it couldn't be repaired. Then, said tears had changed to ones of joy when Carlos assured me that the Aurora would be rebuilt instead! I've become fond of the Aurora, we've been through thick and thin together more than once since the last battle of the previous war.

Anyways, I entered the cockpit and settled into the pilot seat and locked into the restraints. Yep, there are on buckles or belts anymore to keep me safe in my seat, now the pilot's suit locked into the seat frame. It might sound odd, but it feels better than the old way of keeping one in their seat, I'll tell you. The familiar bootup of the Aurora's OS was somewhat comforting, even with it updated from what it had been:

MOBILE SUIT NEX OPERATION SYSTEM
Generation
Unsubdued
Nuclear
Drive
Assault
Module

G.U.N.D.A.M Intrigue
_Series GN125-O7 NR 03-13868_

Federation Military

All the Aurora's systems checked out as green, the nuclear reactor was putting out as it should and safer in my personal opinion than the Freedom's or the Justice's reactor did normally. My mobile suit's equipment was still pretty much what it had been before, but there had been a few nice changes. The Micro-Missile launchers had been modified so that they could carry five missiles instead of three and those missiles had remote detonators that I could activate at any time after firing them. The 90mm Vulcans that the Aurora had in its flight mode, were now loaded with anti-phase shift rounds. My shield was no longer experimental and got streamlined, doesn't suck down the power it used to and the same can be said of the beam rifle. The final "present" the Aurora got, was that the Phantom Stealth system automatically now employs an idea similar to the OIS-X209 Shadow's Echo Trace Emitter.

Just after I finished checking over the Aurora's systems, a mechanic appeared in the view of the hatch, "Everything looks good Captain, we'll move you through the airlock system and to the catapult momentarily," they said.

I looked up and nodded, "Thanks, it's appreciated," I replied.

After they left, I closed the hatched and locked it, throwing the cockpit into darkness, before the panoramic displays came up and the view of what was outside the Aurora came up. There then came a gentle jerk as the Aurora began moving towards the rear of the hanger. Once there, I was spun around one-hundred-eighty degrees then, began to be tilted backwards. I was lowered into the small airlock space between the hanger and the outside of the ship, and I was grateful that I was not claustrophobic, for the space between the two airlocks was tight and could just fit the Aurora. I activated the Aurora's stealth system, just before the cycling of the locks was finished and the view of space came to the side screens as I moved downward to the launching catapult. Once the Aurora came into the launching position, I heard the clamps that held the Aurora to the lift platform release me and my mobile suit started floating free. The launch status display appeared in front or rather above along the ship's hull. I grasped the throttle and control stick and paid attention to the launch status display, waiting for the signal.

The signal came, and I accelerated down the catapult and left the Normandy for the battlefield. I shortly spotted the area where the fighting was taking place, shifted the Aurora into its flight mode and zoomed off in that direction.

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

Armory One Interior

Inside the colony, Stella, Auel and Sting were having growing difficulty at fending of the mobile suits that were working to stop them. Stella was forced to back up as the the new Gundam-type suit swung one side of its combined blade, then whipped the other end into the Gaia. Sting was still trying to get the gold machine to back off from the Chaos, but the Osiris wasn't letting up. Sting then caught sight of the Abyss but hopes of assistance faded as he saw that Auel was taking on another ZAFT suit, and his opponent was holding their own. Sting made the Chaos leap into the air and shift into its mobile armor mode, hoping that he could make distance from his enemy. He knew that this battle needed to end soon, for two reasons; the longer that it continued, the lower the power of the machines they stole would fall, as well as the chance of missing their ride if they didn't get outside quickly. However, the Osiris also leapt upward and then transformed into its flight mode and chased after the Chaos, which caught Sting off-guard. The Osiris began peppering the Chaos, pinning Sting down and preventing him from countering effectively.

Meanwhile, Talia Gladys reached where Chairman Durandal and after some convincing from her and others with him, they were on their way back to the Minerva. Chairman Durandal would be safer onboard the Minerva than in the colony itself, there was still so much that could go wrong, and the chain of events weren't done yet. It didn't take all that long to arrive back at the port, even taking a different route. However, along the way scenes of mobile suits fighting against the stolen machines, including the Osiris and the Impulse. Seeing those two suits gave some hope to Talia, for at least, two out of the five second stage series were in proper control and not those who were causing mayhem and chaos here. Once onboard the Minerva, Talia made her way to the bridge, heading for her seat, "Arthur, what's the current situation," she asked.

Arthur turned around and was about to answer, when he noticed Chairman Durandal behind the captain. Yet, Talia asked him the same question again, and this time Arthur was able to give a reply, "Sorry ma'am, the Impulse launched out with orders to capture the stolen machines," he said.

"Then Aila was able to make it back to the ship, that's good," Talia remarked.

Arthur hesitated, "No captain, nothing has been heard from Miss Lakeen since she went to meet up with the other pilots. Shinn Asuka is piloting the Impulse, he was the only backup pilot on the ship, since Mr. Za Burrel and Miss Hawke went to the Armory to get the mobile suits they were going to use."

Captain Gladys was about to ask what Arthur was talking about, but Meyrin Hawke spoke up, "Captain, I've managed to connect a com-channel to the Osiris, audio only."

The pilot assigned to work with the X28S Osiris Gundam, was supposed to be Matthew Dems, and Talia hoped he was the one inside. "X28S Osiris, report," she ordered.

"I'm sorry captain, I'm busy at the moment, so giving a detailed report is something I can't do right now," came the voice of Aila Lakeen.

Aila wasn't trying to be mean or rude to captain Gladys, but she was doing her best to concentrate. The fight against the Chaos was proving harder than first impressions had predicted, the teen that was piloting was hard to read. Plus, they seemed to somehow knew how to pilot a mobile suit that they should have no idea even exists. Changing an operating system isn't easy to do, especially if the system is new and was supposed to have been kept secret.

The Chaos had shifted into its mobile armor mode, which Aila had chased it with the Osiris' flight mode. For a few minutes Aila thought she could force the Chaos down and to power down, then recapture the mobile suit, but the tables quickly flipped. The Abyss pushed the GuAIZ R it had been contending with, Auel very annoyed that the machine he had been fighting wouldn't be destroyed. Then, he spotted the gold mobile suit taking on the machine that Sting had gotten into, to vent his frustration, Auel aimed his Dual Cannons at the enemy suit and fired. A smile came to Auel's face when he saw at least one of his shots strike his target, as signaled by an explosion and smoke coming out of the back of the machine.

Aila felt the impact from the Abyss' shot, but the alarm going off just after the shot had landed, told her more that the shot had created even more problems. Readouts indicated that the second flight stabilizer had been hit and the damage was bad enough that the stabilizer was starting an emergency shutdown. The Osiris began to sink as she attempted using thrusters to stay up and it was taking the majority of her attention.

On the Minerva, some scenes from the battle were viewed, then Burt Heim spoke up, "Captain, the Osiris has taken damage and is going down, it looks like it will crash."

The news announced, didn't sit well with any on the Minerva, even Chairman Durandal frowned at hearing the Osiris was going to crash. Captain Gladys told Meyrin to see if she could contact Aila, but Meyrin said she'd already tried.

Aila had a white-knuckled grip on the throttle and control stick as alarms were blaring around her. The Osiris was gliding downward in a semi-controlled flight, but the smoke streaming out from where the second stabilizer was. The ground came closer rapidly, but before the crash happened, Aila swung the Osiris around, changed it over to mobile suit mode and unloaded at the Chaos. It was less than half a minute later, that the Osiris crashed into the ground and Aila was shaken. It took Aila a bit to regain her bearings, pain forced her to recognize that her shoulder was still a problem. When she looked, the cloth she'd tied her shoulder up with had crimson soaking through which explained the lightheadedness she was experiencing right now. The surrounding displays came back up, showing the view of outside, which Aila saw that she had carved a bit of a path when the Osiris had hit the ground. When she looked over the displays, Aila noted that most of the Osiris' systems were still operational, the stabilizers may be down, but other than that, the mobile suit was doing okay with just minor damage overall. Glancing back to the forward display, Aila got a view that she wasn't glad to see, for the Gaia was approaching her.

Stella was closing the distance between her and the gold mobile suit that had crashed into the ground. Auel's shot had taken it down, but with it still keeping its color, meant that it could still get up and fight. She was about to take out a beam saber and stab the torso of the machine, when a message came. "Sting, Stella, Auel, we need you outside quickly! Federation Forces have caught up with us sooner than expected and are complicating things," came the voice of Neo Roanoke. "Hurry and finish up what you're dealing with and get out here!"

Stella glanced to the colony's wall at hearing that message, worrying about Neo, for she felt safe around him and there were very few that gave that feeling. Yet, it was during that action, that an alarm went off, and turning, Stella saw the green mobile suit she had been fighting before moving to attack her. She managed to get her shield up and block the tomahawk that was swung at her.

Athrun had moved forward after he saw that the attention of the Gaia had moved from the Osiris to the colony wall. The sooner this battle ended the sooner that Cagalli could be safe. But, the Gaia pushed back and Athrun shifted his shield forward. Nevertheless, the Gaia got the chance to attack as it took two impacts from the right. Athrun looked in that direction and saw a different mobile suit, another mass production model, the one that came before the ZAKU if he recalled correctly.

"Alex, hope you're doing okay, and the same for Representative Athha too. I think we would both very much prefer to not fail in our bodyguarding job," said the voice of Quatre Winters.

"Qua," Cagalli began saying, but Athrun cut over her, "Marcus, good to hear your voice, and thanks for the help. The quicker that this fight ends, the better for all concerned."

Athrun was forced to use the ZAKU's shield to block the Abyss' multi-phase beam cannon, which destroyed the shield and threw the ZAKU backwards to crash into a wall. Athrun had to catch Cagalli, who without restraints flew forwards and looked to hit something inside the cockpit. At least, that's what Athrun thought after catching her, and finding his hand used to cradle her head had blood on it. Quatre moved to be in front of the ZAKU, ready to block and defend both Athrun and Representative Athha.

At the same time, Shinn was still dancing with the Chaos when the arrival of a red ZAKU and a white ZAKU Phantom and began supporting himself and the other two mobile suits that were fighting the stolen machines did help morale. "Shinn, are you alright," asked his friend Rey Za Burrel.

"Yeah Rey, I'm okay for the moment, but I don't know if capturing these machines intact will be possible as things stand," Shinn returned.

While the ZAFT pilots were checking with each other, Sting glanced around at the mobile suits that he Stella and Auel were now facing. Even the gold machine was rising back up, and the three of them needed to exit the colony. According to Neo, things were going badly outside and leaving needed to occur. "Stella, Auel, you both heard Neo, we need to be going. There isn't the time to deal with these guys, it will have to be done later," he said reasonably.

"Leaving? In the middle of a fight?!" challenged Auel.

"You want to fight and run out of power and be captured Auel," asked Sting. "Let this go this time. The lack of information cost us, and unforeseen factors have come into play. We fail in our mission if we don't get these mobile suits back to the ship and then we would be punished, better to get fair results than no results and get punished for it."

"Fine, I still don't like this though, we're running, and I don't like to run," Auel replied, before the Abyss began backing off.

Sting moved the Chaos away from the Impulse, but then noticed the Gaia wasn't following suit. "Stella, Neo told us to get outside, this fight is done," he stated.

"No, I can destroy at least one of them!" Stella cried angrily.

Stella then shot at the two suits that were facing her, which both dodged her attacks. Yet, the Osiris had gotten up and fired its beam rifle at the Gaia, and Stella had to block with her shield.

"Well then, I guess you'll die here! I'll make sure to tell that sister of yours that you said goodbye," called Auel to Stella in a taunting tone.

Sting knew that things were about to get bad, "Auel, you idiot, you know what that does to her!"

The moment Stella heard the word "die", overwhelming feelings of terror and hysteria flooded her. Flashes of places and scenes that were vaguely familiar to her went through her mind so clearly, that it was like she was there or in the scene herself for a brief moment. The scenes scared her, for some of the places popped up in her worst nightmares. All thoughts of taking down the ZAFT mobile suits, instantly morphed into the need to escape, to run, to hide, do whatever it took to survive and live! Stella hugged her shoulder muttering panic induced thoughts, so afraid was she of her own death and normally, only her sister Tanya could calm her down from this.

"Auel, I told you not to use another's word, you know what it does," Sting chided irritated.

"Well, she didn't give us another option, she wouldn't stop, so it was the most efficient way to get her to do what is needed," Auel shot back.

Stella's came to the point that her fear and hysteria got the better of her, "NOOOO!" she screamed in terror and flew the Gaia at the closest colony wall.

The Chaos and the Abyss followed the Gaia, shooting at the mobile suits that attempted to chase them. The Impulse and the ZAKU Phantom went after the stolen machines as they went towards the colony wall. The Osiris was in no condition to follow, nor was the ZAKU that Athrun was piloting, or the GuAIZ R that Quatre was using. The red ZAKU began following the Impulse and the Phantom, but its main thruster started failing and so it headed back to the Minerva.

Athrun shifted the ZAKU to look at the GuAIZ R, "Marcus, are you alright," he asked.

"There's nothing to write home about for me, but I would suggest that we get to a safer place. Is Representative Athha okay," asked Quatre.

Athrun glanced down at Cagalli to see her waking up, "Overall she should be fine, but she took a fairly hard bang to the back of her head."

There was a pause, "I see, then said shelter will need some sort of medical assistance available. That could make things somewhat more difficult, yet it is what it is. No rest for the weary as the phrase goes and everything," replied Quatre.

"Perhaps I could help you two with your issue," said a female voice. Both Athrun and Quatre looked towards the golden mobile suit, the Osiris, "You two did take the Gaia's attention off of me when it was approaching to kill me, so I do owe you for that."

"It was nothing, more than enough died today, no need or wish to add to it. My name is Marcus Lune and my companion is Alex Dino, and may I inquire as to whom we saved," Quatre asked.

"My name is Aila Lakeen," answered the other pilot.

Athrun then spoke up as they needed to move things along, Cagalli should get medical attention as soon as possible. "You said that you could help us out with our issue, how might that be?"

"If you have someone that is in need of medical attention, that should be available on the ship to which I'm assigned. It is currently in the port, and I was going to head that way, so we could go there together. The mobile suit I'm working with isn't doing very good at the moment, so the long way is the only method I can reach the Minerva," replied Aila.

"That's good enough for me, what about you Alex," asked Quatre. "We have few options at the moment, going to this Minerva seems the best way to go."

Athrun could see that Quatre was right, he would have to be blind not to, "Yeah, certainly does appear to be the best choice."

The three mobile suits then set out for the port of Armory One where the Minerva was, Quatre on the right side of the Osiris as it was showing signs of issues from the damage it had taken. Athrun follow, on the left and slightly behind the Osiris, glad that Cagalli wasn't hurt worse than she was. It took around ten minutes to reach the port and both Athrun and Quatre got their first closeup view of the "Minerva" which had been the warship they had seen while being escorted to see Gilbert Durandal. The linear catapult on the left and right opened and Athrun went in the left one while Quatre and Aila when in the right.

Inside the hanger, the sight of the three mobile suits coming in was unexpected. The chief mechanic of the Minerva did make a comment that at least one of the other new series machines made it on board, damaged but still. Those in the hanger were further baffled when Athrun and Cagalli came out of the ZAKU and Quatre came out of the GuAIZ R. Aila was coming down the zipline, doing her utmost to stay awake as she was so lightheaded, one of the signs of how much blood she had lost so far.

Lunamaria was wondering what the hell was going on, not only was there two mobile suit that weren't assigned to the Minerva, but three people were here that weren't supposed to be. She grabbed one of the guns from the soldiers nearby, and then approached the closet pair of unidentified people, "Hold it you two, don't move," Lunamaria ordered pointing the gun she had at them.

Quatre was seeing issues coming, more so when the one that said they could help was very wobbly on her legs. He spotted that Aila had a cloth around her left shoulder and it was crimson with blood, meaning she had been injured, likely by a gunshot if Quatre was seeing correctly. Bullet wounds were something he had seen enough to know such injuries were not something that you left unattended for long or it would become a serious problem if not a life threatening one. The crimson shades on the ZAFT uniform said that Aila Lakeen needed medical attention and soon, there was little time to waste, and were she to die, then Athrun and Quatre would have far more to deal with than they had already.

Quatre moved forward towards Aila, and he got to her just in time to catch her and keep her from falling to the deck. Quatre then told the nearest mechanic to go get a stretcher over for Aila and the chief mechanic echoed the order. A stretcher was brought over and Aila was lifted onto it and then a few mechanics carried the stretcher off to the sickbay. Quatre then turned his attention to the young woman that was pointing a gun at Athrun and Representative Athha.

Athrun moved in front of Cagalli as the tension in the hanger rose, while on the bridge of the Minerva, the ship's launching procedure was being started. Lunamaria kept the gun she had in her hand pointed at the two strangers that had come out of the ZAKU. "Identify yourselves now, you're clearly not with the military. What were you doing in that machine," she demanded.

Cagalli was going to speak up, but Athrun put an arm in front of her, "Lower your weapons, this is Miss Cagalli Yula Athha, a representative of the Orb Union. I'm one of her attendants and body guards, my name is Alex Dino," he said.

"And I'm Representative Athha's other bodyguard," said Quatre from the right, which everyone turned when he spoke up. "You can call me Marcus Lune." One of the soldiers pointed a gun at Quatre, who put up his hands, "We came onboard this ship at the suggestion of Miss Aila Lakeen. She said that we might get some help for Representative Athha as she has been injured," Quatre iterated.

"We were meeting with Chairman Durandal when we were caught up in all the commotion. Our only option was to take this and that machine," Athrun said, pointing at the GuAIZ R. "And defend ourselves."

Lunamaria was confused and trying to figure out if these two were lying or telling the truth, "Wait, Athha, from Orb?"

"As my colleague stated, the Representative has been injured and needs medical attention. Plus, one of this ship's pilots, did mentioned and offered that medical help could be obtained onboard," Athrun stated.

Lunamaria wasn't buying this story, sure the woman behind this guy could be as he said, Miss Athha from the Orb Union. But, for him to claim that one of the pilots, let alone Aila would tell them to come on board, it was nonsense. "Yeah right, until I hear that directly from Aila, I'm not buying it," Lunamaria challenged.

There was silence for a moment, yet then Quatre spoke, "Hmm, that will be difficult I'm afraid. Miss Lakeen was taken to this ship's sickbay already, and she fainted already, so I doubt she'll be able to vouch for us."

Lunamaria rounded on Quatre, "What are you talking about?"

Quatre shrugged, "Unfortunately, it appeared that Miss Lakeen had taken a bullet through her left shoulder some time ago. She likely fainted due to blood loss, it can happen," he said calmly.

Lunamaria was getting irritated at this guy's calm demeaner, he should be made more aware of his situation! "And how would you know any of that mister, sounds to me more like you're lying to get out of what you've landed yourself in," she snapped.

Quatre smiled, which ticked Lunamaria off more, "It's not like that at all, I assure you. I'm not anything like a doctor or field medic, I've just seen enough gunshot injuries to know what the signs of them are," he said.

Before Lunamaria could give a retort, Athrun spoke up, "The Chairman is on board this ship, isn't he? We need to see him immediately," he urged.

Lunamaria decided that it would perhaps be better to take this group to see the captain, for there was the chance that they were telling the truth. "Fine, I'll take you to the captain, then if you are lying, she can deal with it," she said and lowered her weapon.

She then began escorting the three people to the bridge, where Captain Gladys should be, two other soldiers bringing up the rear. Announcements were sounding throughout the ship, of the launching procedure begin initiated. Cagalli was curious if the damage the mobile suits had made was really so bad that the colony had to be fully evacuated. "Um, is this ship escaping? Is the damage to the colony really to the extent that such drastic measures need to be taken," she asked.

There was no answer, mostly since none actually knew the state of the colony specifically. Meanwhile, the Minerva was lowered into the ports main airlock tunnel system, to transfer it to the outside of the colony. Lunamaria kept moving towards the bridge, focused on dealing with this group and being done with this. She was still angered that someone had stolen mobile suits and wrecked a good portion of the colony as well. However, she was distracted when Condition Red was declared, and General Quarters was announced, for that inferred things were soon to get much tenser.

Quatre was getting somewhat worried, for the announcement meant that battle was likely soon to come. Athrun on the other hand, was incredulous, "Is this ship taking off to go into battle?!" he exclaimed in slight disbelief.

Lunamaria turned and faced Athrun, not sure how to answer this guy or if she even should. But then, Cagalli spoke, "Athrun!"

The single name shocked Lunamaria and the two soldiers with her, for it was one that all had heard of. Most ZAFT soldiers, especially pilots, knew the name Athrun, as in reference to Athrun Zala, one of the war heroes that helped end the First Alliance-PLANT War. Yet, Lunamaria wonder if this guy, could possibly be the same person.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

I was closing the distance to where Luke and the others were keeping the Alliance occupied, when a different sight caught my eye. There appeared a hole in the colony itself, and three mobile suits came out through said hole was the what got my attention. I zoomed in and studied the three machines, for they were clearly not mass production models.

The three machines were "Gundam-types" which are modeled somewhat like the Atlantic Federation Prototypes that were made by Morgenroete at Heliopolis. Their coloration strongly suggested they had phase shift armor for defense among other things. One machine was two different shades of green, the second was blue and white, while the third was black and red. I also go the impression that those mobile suits may have belonged to ZAFT, but they aren't the ones using them at the current time. It would fit, this Alliance group had already killed all on an outpost to get information, I don't see them being against doing damage and harm to get mobile suits. I certainly didn't like the idea of this group making it away with the things they'd done and have nothing happen to them.

Next thing I registered, two more mobile suits exited the PLANT colony through the same hole the other three had come through. Only one of the two was a custom model though, blue and white colored, while the other looked to be one of ZAFT's ZAKU suits. So, the plot known thus far, Alliance forces around here, almost certainly up to no good. Three unknown mobile suits, followed by two more, using a means to leave a colony that is very much discouraged. Me thinks that the Alliance force here stole the first three suits and didn't do so quietly at all, this plot is getting worse the more that I learned about it.

The first three did land on the Alliance vessel while the other two kept moving forward, dodging and evading the combat between the Normandy's pilots and the Alliance trouble makers. I spotted the newer looking mobile armor coming up behind the blue and white machine and decided to select that mobile weapon for a target. I flew above the armor and then dove down at it, firing my 90mm Vulcans, shifting the enemy pilot's focus off of the ZAFT mobile suit. And it quickly became apparent to me, that the mobile armor pilot was no average top gun Alliance flyboy. They were experienced, knew how to fly their armor and use the wired gunbarrels their armor was equipped with.

The armor pilot was certainly not making it very easy to not get hit by their weapons, even if I had become visible to my opponent, therefore making it easier for them to aim at me. However, as I was fighting the mobile armor, I spotted a ZAFT vessel that I'd never seen before now. I assume that it was the carrier for the blue and white mobile suit that had come out from the colony through the hole. Then, where this Alliance force had started out with five Alliance production mobile suits, they were down to two now and if time kept going forward as it is, they'll have less. So, I made the decision to test out what kind of pilot this mobile armor had at the wheel, at least, gaging what their reactions and temperament are like.

It may be a bit of a flaw of mine, but for whatever reason, I get a kick out of some that I get "GOOD" reactions from, case and point, Natarle Badgiruel. Don't ask me why, but it's people like her, who give such amusing reactions to my behavior and action, are fun to prod! I know it's wrong, I've been told that multiple times and if such things didn't make me smile like they do, I would drop such a habit. But, that hasn't happened yet, and I doubt it will change, I'm human and so not perfect, don't pin the blame on me.

Soooo, I flew in front of the mobile armor and to start, sent a message to the armor pilot, not audio or video, but something that would give me the first view of this pilot's temperament. The message contents went something along the lines of "catch me and shoot me if you can stupid idiot", while waving my rear end in a taunting manner. I was prodding and watching what response I would get for doing so, it would tell me much about my opponent.

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

Neo had left dealing with what ZAFT forces were expected to show up to the other in the mobile suits, while he went ahead to find out what was going on with the trio. After seeing them come out and being followed by two machines, it was clear to Neo that unexpected factors had come up. There had been a margin planned for that, mostly for the Federation's response as they were more unpredictable than ZAFT was. Neo got on the line with the Girty Lue and told Ian Lee to pick up the three acquire mobile suits and the current situation was on Neo himself. Things could be going much worse than they were, ZAFT had been taken by surprise and were now in a state of near chaos and that was what was intended to an extent. The Federation Military hadn't caught up to them yet, but that was only a matter of time. Yet, Neo started wondering what was going on when no response came from the Girty Lue.

Then, a single signal flare came from the Girty Lue, saying that there was something going wrong. When the Dagger suits approached the Girty Lue to check what was going on, the came under attack. That was enough to tell Neo that Federation forces had caught up with them much sooner than expected. Neo did send a message to those within the colony to hurry up and get outside and help with the complex issue the Federation was creating. He left keeping the Federation machines busy to the other Dagger pilots, while some kept ZAFT on their toes and he waited for the trio to get outside.

When the three ZAFT mobile suits came out a hole made in the colony, Neo sighed with slight relief. They were followed by another Gundam-type mobile suit and a white ZAKU Phantom.

Neo moved to attack the blue and white gundam-type mobile suit, deploying his armor's gunbarrels to throw the pilot off. To Neo's slight surprise, the assault of the gunbarrels was more effective than he had thought they would be. Yet, then Neo got an odd sensation in his mind, which came from the direction of the white ZAKU. But, Neo had little time to figure out what this odd feeling was as weapon fire came from above and he was forced to dodge. Neo looked around for the one who attacked him, when his eyes fell on a red fighter like craft appeared in front of him. The machine didn't look like it had been made by ZAFT, which would imply it was Federation built, which came with seriously problematic inferences. Federation mobile suits had been proven to be superior to ZAFT's machines in a couple of ways, the Alliance had been learning that the hard way over the last few years. Neo recalled his gunbarrels and focused on the red machine, waiting for them to make the next move.

Nevertheless, what came next was the last thing that Neo had expected, a message flashed on his forward display. Neo read it through twice, to make sure he was seeing correctly, for the message completely different than he had received. The contents of it was as follows:

'Hey stupid Alliance tin can pilot, let's see your cocky driving style be applied to catching yours truly, I double dog dare you! Because I'm so sure that you couldn't even nick my machine with a single thing in your pathetically rinky dinky arsenal that your poor excuse for something that dunces call a mobile armor has. So, Catch me if you can ya idiotic coward!'

After reading the message a second time, Neo became ticked at the blunt insult sent to him. And then, upon glancing forward at the red fighter, the incredulity and irritation grew as he saw that his opponent's machine's back end was waving from side to side a bit, clearly mimicking the taunting gesture of a person waving their rear end at another. This pilot was taunting him, a captain within the handpicked for Phantom Pain and Neo wouldn't let that slide! Yet, then Neo managed to calm down for a moment and realized that this pilot was intentionally prodding him. So, the question was why would they do that? To gage his reaction? Perhaps, but his instincts told him that there was more to this than just that.

One of the remaining Daggers charge forward at the red machine as Neo hung back wondering what the pilot of the red fighter was thinking. The current setup had the looks of a trap set to catch another, but Neo couldn't tell what the trap was meant to do. The Dagger that had charged the red machine closed the distance between it and their opponent, close enough to strike. However, as the Dagger began its attack, the red machine flipped backwards over the Dagger, firing off its guns and destroying the mobile suit. It was a maneuver that some Federation fighter pilots would do against mobile armors, looked more like showing off really. Yet, after the explosion of the mobile suit cleared the red craft had vanished from sight and disappeared completely.

Neo didn't like that the odd craft vanishing, it had shown there was more to it that met the eye. Neo had learned the lesson that knowing where your enemy is located is better than not knowing already, by personal experience. Nevertheless, his attention was diverted as something much larger started becoming visible. It was a ship, shorter in length that the Girty Lue by close to a half at around two-hundred meters in length, with most of its structure in the center. It appeared similar to no previous Federation ship class that Neo had seen or read reports about. Granted, it wasn't the size of a cruiser or a dreadnought, so was likely lighter and not necessarily as well armed. Nonetheless, for it to have caught up so quickly said there was more to it than just being new. Who knew what kind of arsenal or equipment the ship had to work with? There was nothing on the outside of the ship that gave much of a hint of the capabilities of the vessel. Neo even suspected the Federation had already somehow managed to get on board the Girty Lue and get to the data stolen. How much they had done, could complicate things an amount, just couldn't tell how much yet.

The situation was shifting to being unfavorable for the Alliance and Neo knew it, if they got greedy and tried to get more, then they could easily end out lose everything instead. Then, Neo spotted the red craft again, which was closer to the Girty Lue, firing missiles toward the ship. The missiles detonated before reaching the ship, the reason Neo knew this, was the CIWS guns were firing in the missiles' direction. Things went downhill faster when the red craft transformed into a mobile suit that Neo had seen images of. Most of the images came from two separate incidents, which were the attempt to take over the Republic of East Asia and the other was the Second Battle of Jachin Due. In both events, the mobile suit had proven to be powerful and dangerous to its opponents. Little technical information had been acquired on the unit, only that it had two powerful plasma cannons, a beam rifle and a shield that could deflect.

The red suit brought one of the long cannons connected to its backpack section and aimed at the Girty Lue. A few seconds later, a red beam zoomed at the Girty Lue and struck the stern of the ship and from the blasts and fires that Neo could see, the shot had hit an unknown number of aft stern missile launchers. Neo flew forward, intending to get the red mobile suit to back away from the Girty Lue, but even as he deployed his armor's gunbarrels, the machine disappeared once again. Neo would have gone searching for the machine, but the white ZAKU assaulted him again, drawing his attention.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

After I scored a hit on the Alliance vessel's stern missile launchers, I had one of those mental, "I wonder" moments. You see, the Alliance ship appeared to me to look quite an amount like the Archangel-class. The reason that comes to my mind, is my curiosity if the Alliance "fixed" the issues in that ship class, or if they ignored them like they have a tendency to. I personally know the majority of the Archangel-class' flaws, and if this ship class was based off of the Archangel, then it could have a range of the same problems waiting to happen. The thought intrigued me more than average, and it just was too tempting to resist, so I didn't at all.

With my decision to test my assumption, I first made the Aurora disappear from sight, then began making my way towards the Alliance ship. As the ship wasn't using its beam turrets just its collection of missiles, and those were easy to avoid, approaching the vessel wasn't that difficult. I did note that the mobile armor was I believe, looking for little old me, at least looking for something, but then got attacked by a white ZAKU. I let them go at each other and focused on my intention and it didn't take me all that long to come into range of my target. And in a move that I know would irk and bring back infuriating memories for a certain former black-haired Alliance captain that I know, I positioned myself slightly behind the ship's bridge tower. I then took out a beam saber and stabbed a junction right in front of me, waiting to see the results. The results were as quick as they were hysterical to me, for they brought back memories. Why one might ask, because I was watching this ship's CIWS guns either stop working or shutdown, much like I had caused for the Dominion years ago, showing that I had been right in my expectations. The CIWS junction issue as I refer to it as, was still around and hadn't been fixed in the slightest. The only real difference in this situation compared to the previous time I did this stunt, I have no problem ticking off any on this ship at all!

I leapt off of where I was, and headed back to the rest of the battlefield, leaving the Alliance vessel to the Normandy. Lisa started firing swarms of missiles at our prey and I would bet would use the Normandy's beam cannons, if not for the anti-beam depth charge spread that had been put out. Then the new ZAFT ship moved forward and joined the Normandy in the attack against the Alliance vessel. And with its interception system in shambles due to what I did, a number of the missiles were having visible effects on the ship. Along with the ZAFT's ship's projectile weapon on the front of it added to the barrage, the Alliance ship was shaking and rocking. The mobile armor zoomed back to its ship and got back on board, while the ship was turning around, not as easy a task as one might think.

Then, when the Alliance ship began to move away from those pursuing them, the enemy vessel detached both of the spars with tanks on them, which floated backward towards us. Lisa used the Normandy's positron blaster cannon "Thor" to nail one of the spars collection of tanks, which exploded in response. The other collection of tanks exploded close to the ZAFT vessel but didn't do visible damage. However, the event did provide enough of a distraction for the Alliance forces or what was left of them to run a short distance away. Luckily, the tracking beacon was transmitting loud and clear and so, they would be hard pressed to get away.

With the Alliance force tucking tail and running away, Luke and the other two Normandy pilots, began to assist in rescue operations that ZAFT was now starting. They had lost some ships and mobile suits, clearly the Alliance had managed to blindside them and take them by complete surprise. The help we were providing was helping mobile suits return to their ship who were unable to do so themselves for whatever reason. I, on the other hand, returned to the Normandy as I think that's where I will be needed more, even I knew that. I changed over to the less formal Federation Uniform before heading to the bridge. The Normandy hadn't taken damage really, the mobile suits would need some work, but nothing serious. Nevertheless, I'm becoming interested in who this Alliance force was, for they weren't like most units that I've gone against. There was one group whose MO was similar to this kind of operation, and they were a pain by personal past experience. I sincerely hope that this group wasn't from the same unit, I didn't like dealing with the type of underhanded tactics that group would use.

I had Miss Alloy send a message to the new ZAFT ship, which apparently was named the Minerva, to tell them to wait and not go gallivanting off after the Alliance vessel. That's what I would do in their position with what I would assume was done inside the colony. But honestly, there needs to be an information exchange and in the end, it will benefit all concerned. Miss Alloy did get the message to the Minerva and they begrudgingly agreed to an information exchange as long as it was kept short as possible. That told me that I'd been right that they wanted to pursue the Alliance ship as soon as they could, and I don't blame them.

So, the Normandy moved to be alongside the Minerva before turning the ship turned one-hundred-eighty degrees to face the same direction at the Minerva herself. I once again left Lisa in charge of the Normandy and headed down to the hanger to board a shuttle that would travel over to the Minerva. I found that I was going to be accompanied by some of the soldiers on the Normandy. Apparently, I had made quite the impression on them both at the Milos Outpost and the trust and confidence I put in them with their task on the Alliance vessel. Once the shuttle was loaded, it launched from the Normandy and headed towards the Minerva. I'm just hoping that what information ZAFT has might be able to help make a more complete picture of what these Alliance personnel are willing to do.

The trip over the ZAFT vessel was quiet and uneventful, of course, this wouldn't be the first time I've been on a ZAFT ship by any means. Although, this ship, the Minerva was one of the more unique ZAFT vessel I will have been on. I'll admit that's its captain is fairly good, seemed to be calm and cool under pressure, which is very important for the leader of a ship. Whoever they are, it may be interesting to meet them, even if I wasn't dressed up, but then I don't that for any but those I have lots of respect for or believe it would help me to keep out of serious trouble I don't want to be in.

The shuttle entered one of the linear catapults of the Minerva, before shortly being brought inside the ship's hanger. There was the short period while the shuttle was secured to the deck of the ship's hanger. When that was done, the craft door opened, then I and those with me got our first view of the hanger of the Minerva. The hanger itself was actually fairly organized, more so than many hangers that I've seen on ZAFT ships. There was some sort of lift system in the forward center space of the hanger and the wall ahead of lift had what looked like storage bays. There was currently a red, a white and a green ZAKU in docks, then the blue and white gundam-type mobile suit was also in the hanger. There was another gundam-type here as well, though it looked kind of similar to the Federation's Delta Fighter or the Excel Fighter.

Just after exiting the shuttle, we were approached by young man with medium length blonde hair and was in a ZAFT red uniform. I assumed that it would be him that would take us to this ship's captain. He bowed to us, then introduced himself as Rey Za Burrel and told us he would escort us to "Captain Gladys". We went down corridors of this ship and the Minerva's halls were much like other ZAFT ships I've been on. We were brought to a door, and those with me were asked to stay outside, while I continued in.

There were two people in the room that I glided into, the first was a woman older than myself, close to thirty if I were to guess. She was shorter than me by a small margin, had hair the color of Dandelions which framed her face and hazel eyes. The woman was also wearing a white ZAFT commander uniform, which was rare for a captain to be in, for most wore the black officer uniform. The other in the room was a man that I'd heard of, but never met in person, nor thought that I would. He had semi-long black hair, amber eyes and had an air of authority and calm control. The man's name was Gilbert Durandal and he is the current Chairman of the PLANT Supreme Council. Now, for a man of his caliber to be around this place, especially with the events that had happened, raise a couple of serious red flags in my mind, though I kept such thoughts to myself for the time being.

I focused my attention back on the woman, "It is nice to meet you Captain, my name is Tyler McGregor and I'm the captain of the Federation Frigate Normandy," I greeted, bowing slightly and offering a hand.

The woman looked me over for a moment and then returned the bow and shook my hand, "Talia Gladys, I'm the captain of the Minerva. The assistance of your ship and its pilots are very much appreciated, more so with recent events," she said.

"So then, you're Tyler McGregor," posed Chairman Durandal.

I turned to the man that led the PLANTs, "Indeed I am, and you are Gilbert Durandal, the Chairman of the PLANT Supreme Council. Is there something wrong or debatable about me being myself sir," I inquired.

Durandal gave a small smile, "None whatsoever, I'm just surprised to find that one who is considered one of the great war heroes of the First Alliance-PLANT War isn't exactly as stories portray."

I let out a sigh, "Yes, stories about me fail to mention that I'm young and a human being like everyone else sir," I replied.

The Chairman chuckled a bit, "And humble as well it would seem."

I stared the man straight in the face, "My parents taught me that egos and arrogance are horrible and not to develop them, in fact, my mama told me to do my best and I'll leave it at that," I said. Then, I turned back to Talia Gladys, "However, if we could dispense with the pleasantries, for there is business to attend to for all of us. I'm here in the hope that we can exchange information to get a better picture of those whom have cause trouble, harm and death to others."

Talia took a moment to think, "Yes, that would be helpful, because from what I've seen, this unit is bold and brazen, a potentially dangerous combination," she remarked.

I nodded, knowing the truth of the statement personally, "In that, we can definitely agree Captain Gladys. This group that we've both had an encounter with is dangerous, and that's why it would be best to share what we know about them with one another," I replied.

Then began the exchange of information between Talia Gladys and myself, with Gilbert Durandal listening in, with the woman starting. By the account of Captain Gladys, this Alliance group had not only got some of their people inside the colony itself, but within the Armory area. That's no small feat to accomplish, ZAFT guarded such places well, so that suggests that there was help from the inside. The three gundam-type mobile suits I'd seen before, had been stolen and used to cause chaos and havoc around the military area of the colony. There were two gundam-type mobile suits saved and used to try and stop the stolen machines, but they had been unsuccessful at the task.

The account was more telling than I would think that most knew, for what was inferred by the actions of the Alliance force was quite something. First of all, whoever the captain or commander of this group is, they were either very cocky and heavy risk takers, or they were extremely good and well informed about things they shouldn't be, perhaps a mix of both. I can't determine which it is with what I know currently and that worries me. Second, those that stole and piloted the gundam-type ZAFT mobile suits were different than normal human beings, much in the way that a number of individuals I've come across that have had things done to them to 'enhance' them are. There have been rumors that what was known as the "Enhanced Human Project" is still going, even though key scientist that were involved have left the Earth Alliance, but little has been found to confirm or disprove such thus far. The thieves certainly seemed to know enough about the mobile suits that they were able to modify their OS enough to work with them. Finally, for this event to occur when the leader of the PLANTs Chairman Durandal was at the colony is more than just odd. I find it hard to believe that the chain of events AND their timing are mere coincidence, it is all a little too perfect to happen without influence.

I was about to give my end of the rundown of this Alliance group, but there came a commotion from outside the room. We all looked to the door as it opened and at least, to my surprise and slight shock, I found Cagalli Athha, Kira's biological fraternal twin, my other best friend Athrun Zala and another that I'd never met. I hadn't the faintest idea why any of them would be around here, let alone on board this ship. However, it was Chairman Durandal that spoke first, "Princess, it is good to see you alive and okay. Words cannot express my regret that you were put in danger at all. And then for you to be injured, I apologize that any of this involved you at all Princess, none of it should have happened."

While the Chairman spoke with Cagalli, Athrun spotted me, his eyes widening at seeing me, and I gave him a small smile. Then, I faced Cagalli, "I agree with Chairman Durandal Representative Athha, it is good to see you safe after the ordeal that I've been told happened within the colony. I may not know why you were here when the events occurred, but thankfully, you have not gotten seriously injured during it," I commented.

Cagalli started questioning what I was doing here, showing that she clearly knew me on a personal level, which wasn't very helpful. But, with a look from me to Athrun, my friend delivered the message to Cagalli that now wasn't the time to ask questions of me. I turned back to Talia Gladys, "Now then, I think it was my turn to give the information of this Alliance group before we were interrupted, correct," I inquired.

Captain Gladys nodded, and so, I began iterating the basics of the mission the Normandy had with going to the Milos Outpost. Of course, I left out certain things, as there were points of the mission that are better left unknown for the time being. However, when I got to the actual raid the Alliance made, the Chairman did ask me a question, "You say that this Alliance force raided a Federation outpost, one that's quite out of the way, what reason or goal could they have to do that?"

I swallowed hard, for the reason and what was done was not just embarrassing but spoke kind of badly of the Federation Military. It was well-established fact that the Federation's Information Network was incredible, and that the Federation guards it zealously. So, the point that someone had managed to access it without permission when such hasn't happened before, even with the many attempts made… like I said, it's embarrassing. "Well, Chairman Durandal, their aim was to gain access to the Federation's Information Network, as the outpost had a connection to it," I stated flatly.

Durandal nodded slowly, "I see, I assumed that they failed, still, a bold move to try such," he remarked.

Again, the reputation of the network is well established, so I hesitated, "Well, Chairman Durandal, first I would ask that you not mention what I'm about to," I stated, then kept going, "I'm sorry to say that the Alliance force did manage to access the Network for a short period," I replied.

There was silence at my answer, which Talia Gladys broke, "Are you saying that this group actually succeeded in doing what the Earth Alliance has been trying to do for years?!"

I nodded slowly, "Unfortunately yes, not only did they kill all on the station, they copied some files from the network before they were locked out, likely using one of those at the outpost to gain access, before killing them." My face then became somewhat less grim, "Thankfully, there are protocols in place that encrypt any information that is copied or taken from the network, the more sensitive the heavier the encryption set. Plus, the stolen data has already been dealt with and made inert, so they won't make it to the Alliance in readable condition."

Chairman Durandal hummed, "What kind of data did they copy?"

I shrugged, "I don't know and have no real interest in knowing, all I was told was that the data was 'sensitive information, which would be dangerous if the Alliance should obtain it'. That is enough to tell me that the information could be used to do horrible things and that the Alliance shouldn't have such information right now with their inclination to use things wrongly," I stated.

The discussion turned to how to deal with this force and their ship, which was listed to ZAFT now as "Bogey One". I gave what information had been acquired on the vessel, which was general knowledge of its armaments. Technically speaking, the Normandy's mission was to deal with the data that had been stolen. I doubt that any in High-Command would have an issue if we destroyed the force while doing the job of dealing with the data. But still, the Normandy's mission was done now yet, that didn't mean in my view, that we couldn't give an advantage to those who would hunt the trouble makers down. With this Alliance force using a ship that employed mirage colloid, I say why not give ZAFT the tracking beacon signal to cancel out the colloid's effects. Even if Cagalli was saved by chance by ZAFT in a roundabout way, Cagalli was still alive and that was something that "should be" repaid.

"Captain Gladys, I assume that you intend to hunt this group down," I posed.

She nodded, "Yes, the mobile suits they stole need to be dealt with before they become an even worse problem."

"Okay, then perhaps you would be interested in having some assistance? The Normandy will not be pursuing them, but there's another way in which we can help you. I assume that you are aware, that the enemy's ship uses mirage colloid, which I can personally tell you can be nasty if you in any way underestimate it. They probably used it to approach Armory One without notice or draw attention to themselves I would guess. I can provide you with a means to effectively nullify the effects of their mirage colloid," I said.

Talia Gladys was looking at me with shock, yet it was the voice of Gilbert Durandal that caught the attention of all in the room. "Quite an offer, but it's my understanding that mirage colloid is an idea which disrupting it is extremely difficult. What can you give that could do such a thing?"

I turned my head to Chairman Durandal, "I don't think I said anything about disrupting the enemy's mirage colloid. I believe my exact words were 'to effectively nullify' it, there is a difference, I can assure you. It's true that I can't stop your prey from using mirage colloid to hide from your sight, but I can provide a way for you to know where they are constantly," I reasoned. Then, I took out a datapad I had from a pocket and handed it over to Captain Gladys, "On this pad, you'll find the transmission frequency for the tracking beacon that was hidden on board the Alliance vessel during the time the Federation boarding team went to deal with the stolen data. Use that to track them and you'll know where they are all the time, even when they're invisible or use means to try and blind you to where they are."

The woman took the datapad and looked it over, and I continued, "The beacon has a transmission range of a little over five kilometers, before the signal gets weaker rather quickly as distance between it and you increases."

I turned to Chairman Durandal, "And since you helped keep Representative Athha safe, we'll take over the job of guarding and taking her to her destination going forward sir. It will be one less thing for you to have to worry about. However, before we adjourn, could I ask you specifically Chairman Durandal, a somewhat pointed question," I asked.

Chairman Durandal inclined his head, "Of course, by all means ask away."

"Perhaps it may sound… accusatory and suspicious of me, but would you not consider that this chain of events that have happened here at Armory One, a tad conveniently arranged Chairman? I mean, it is almost like there is someone that might be trying to have you fade out of the picture," I said, then putting up my hand to signal that I was not attempting to be mean. "I'm not saying that such was the intent Mr. Chairman, but you have to admit, that these events and their timing seem to be more than mere coincidence, no?"

"Yes… a valid thought Mr. McGregor, and I will have it looked into, let us hope that such worries are just feelings of paranoia," he returned.

Nodding slowly, I began turning my attention back towards Talia Gladys, "Indeed, let's hope that it's merely looking for harmless shadows. Captain Gladys, the only other thing I can think to say, is good hunting to you, I feel you'll need it."

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

Girty Lue

The Girty Lue was able to escape from the combined assault from the Federation and ZAFT, but it was not without a harsh price paid. The damages incurred to the ship were extensive, at least half of the Girty Lue's offensive weapons were in need of repair and a portion didn't work. The interception system that the CIWS turrets made up, was off-line and the cause was serious damage in areas that should have been shielded from attack but was hit somehow. Out of the mobile suits that the Girty Lue carried at the start of this operation, none came back, there was only the three stolen ZAFT Gundam-type mobile suits now. The question Neo knew would be asked of him and the ship's captain, would be what they did to make the loss worth it. Neo wondered if any answer he could come up with would be satisfactory to those who would demand an explanation.

The trio had been put into the pods that had been sent with the three from Lodonia to help in their "maintenance". It was much like toddlers being tucked into their cribs, while others made sure they were working as they wanted. Then, the other point that caused an issue to Neo's mind, was that Auel had used Stella's block word. The reason he would have done so didn't matter, that he had done so at all was worrisome. Every time that an Extended's block word was used, it caused problems and damage and would take time to undo the issues. That was what the "doctors" were working on now, fixing the effects that had occurred to all three of the trio. Neo left those tending to the teens to their work and headed for the Girty Lue's bridge to see how the rest of their situation was fairing.

Along the way, Neo did check on the data that had been acquired at the Federation's Milos Research Outpost. As he had suspected and feared, the data had been destroyed by the Federation soldiers that had boarded the Girty Lue. Granted, Neo knew and had heard the stories of the lengths that those within the Federation's Military would go to defend and keep their information network secure. However, he had thought that most of what was said had been out of paranoia and worries of the Human Federation. But apparently, the stories of the Federation making sure that data doesn't get into the hands of others without permission, weren't exaggerations. It certainly could explain why none of the attempts to exploit the Information Network had been successful yet. The main file of interest, had been recent reports upon the current strength and rough positioning of the ZAFT forces defending the PLANTs. Neo pretty much expected that an operation to strike against the PLANTs was being planned in secret. Mostly because the Human Federation was becoming friendlier with the PLANTs and ZAFT the longer time moved forward, and the higher ups were getting more worried about a potential alliance between the two.

So, with the gain and losses in the forefront of Neo's mind as he came onto the bridge. The captain of the Girty Lue, Ian Lee, turned back to look at Neo, "Captain Roanoke, it looks like somehow or another, we managed to pull off this part of the operation successfully, despite the Federation catching up to us sooner than predicted," Lee remarked.

"Granted, but most of the data we stole was lost as the price of that, so we did fine in some things and not so well in others," Neo said to the comment. "How much longer until we reach point B?"

"About two hours sir, if we don't meet anything along the way," answered the helm officer.

Neo knew that those two hours, would feel much longer than they should, especially with who could potentially be pursuing them. "Do you think that new ZAFT ship or that unknown Federation vessel will be coming after us," posed Lee.

"I can't say, for I don't really know with current information so, let's assume that at least one of them is, and hope that both of them aren't. Best to be prepared for what possibilities you can, so keep on our present course," Neo replied.

"Hmm, let us hope we reach point B without too much trouble. So then, how are the three recovering then," asked Lee.

Neo thought for a moment, the trio were as a double-edged sword for them, they had both good and bad qualities. "Overall, they seem to be doing okay, sleeping like little babies tucked into their beds really. However, it seems that Auel use a block word with Stella, and that worries me a little," Neo returned.

Lee gained an expression of slight worry, "Pilots that have to be returned to their cradles every time something happens to them, do the higher ups believe that Lodonia's work will be of any real use to us," posed Lee.

Neo shrugged, "You have to admit, compared to what Lodonia produced during the first war, the ones we have are better than those were. These guys at least understand and follow orders better and know what we ask of them and what it requires." Neo paused, then continued, "It really can't be helped, after all, everything seems to be in the trail stages these day. All so that we can attempt to keep up with ZAFT, as well as have a shot at matching the Federation in some way."

"Indeed, I understand that, even our world is going through trials these days," commented Lee.

Neo looked forward, "The time will soon come that war will come again, and we'll be ready when it does. And this time, even the mighty Federation will be taught that the Alliance should and will be in charge," he said with finality.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

Minerva

I exited the captain's cabin of the Minerva, with Athrun, Cagalli and their other colleague behind me. Those who had come with me fell into step behind us as we headed towards the hanger. We had been offered a guided tour of this ship, but I had respectfully declined the offer, there were other things to do and touring a ship was a luxury that couldn't be afforded right now. However, Cagalli had begun her question asking again as we went towards the shuttle, "I mean, why would you even be around here Tyler? Kira said that you were keeping yourself busy, but little else other than that lately. Then Ellen said pretty much the same," she was saying, and I flinched slight at the mention of my mother's first name.

I know I mentioned to this blonde girl to not mention my mother by name, first and especially not by the last or her full name around me when there were others present! I've done work and put forth effort to separate my identity from my mother's, to prevent problems coming to her from what I do! I quickly spun around and put my hand over Cagalli's mouth, "Look Cagalli, I wouldn't doubt you have lots of questions and that's fine, but now is not the time or the place." I leaned in so that only she and Athrun could hear me, "Then, I know I've specifically told you before now, not to mention my mother by name when others are around, it's very unwise."

I let Cagalli go and we continued going forward towards the Minerva's hanger, not answering the barrage of question Cagalli was still sending at me, much to her growing irritation. Our group did get some weird looks as we traveled back to the shuttle and I was wondering how Cagalli even was allowed into politics with how she was conducting herself. I don't dislike her or anything, Cagalli was nice enough but the girl didn't have a lot of restraint most of the time I have seen her. I'd gotten to know her a little better during my visits to Kira and my last visit home, she had been seeing my mom at the time. Anyways, we boarded the shuttle and took it back to the Normandy, and I hoped and prayed that the trip back to Earth, to take Cagalli to her home in Orb, would not involve her pestering me or others in the crew. Any complaint from the crew come to me and any issues with me and my way of running a ship would then go to my boss Admiral Raine, and I don't want to be back in her office again any time soon for any reason!

As the shuttle was cycling through the airlock system to get to the Normandy's hanger, I looked back at my best friend Athrun. I wonder how he is able to handle Cagalli's mannerisms and personality, perhaps Athrun tolerates them since he more than simply likes Cagalli, even if he can't admit it to her yet. It's not as bad as how Kira and Lacus 'beat around the bush', but it's not a whole lot better either. Once the shuttle moved into the hanger, we disembarked from the craft and I turned to the ship's guest, "Cagalli, Athrun and… I'm sorry," I said to the member of their group I didn't know, "I haven't gotten your name yet."

The blonde man who appeared to be about my own age, smiled, "My name is Quatre Winters, a Lieutenant from the Core."

Oh?! Someone from the Mobile Suit Core branch, it's always nice to meet them. I stuck out a hand, which Quatre took, the grip and handshake was firm, a good impression to me. "It's always nice to make the acquaintance with one from the Core," I greeted. "The name's Tyler McGregor, captain of the frigate which you are now on, the Normandy."

"The Core," inquired Cagalli.

I turned to Cagalli, "The Core refers to the Federation Military's Mobile Suit Core branch," I answered.

The three moved forward with me out of the hanger, though I gave a smile and a nod to the chief mechanic, telling him to keep up the good work. As we floated along the corridor, Athrun came up next me, "So Tye, you're really the captain of this vessel," he asked incredulously.

I gave my friend a small smile, "Hard as it is to believe yes, I am indeed the captain of this vessel. The expression on your face is much like I had when I was told of my promotion to captain and my assignment to this ship," I replied.

Cagalli, Athrun and Quatre Winters were given quarters on board the Normandy to use during the trip back to Earth and down to Orb. Cagalli did ask for more details about what the Normandy had been doing around Lagrange 4. I told her what I could, about what happened at the Milos Outpost and the following journey to Armory One. She was horrified and sadden that those who had been at Milos had been slaughtered by the Alliance force. It showed that Cagalli had a good heart and that horrors of war were something she didn't understand and shouldn't get to know with the gentle soul she possesses. And yet, the signs of coming war are clear and unmistakable, it's more a question of time.

Phase End

A/n

I'll leave things there for this Phase. Once again, another change or difference, Cagalli and Athrun are not going to travel on the Minerva. Another point I feel I need to emphasis, Tyler, Kira and Athrun are seen as war heroes that played a critical role in ending the First Alliance-PLANT War. The fact is fairly important as they are treated differently because of it and it will become apparent. The reviews that I have gotten were nice and helpful, so please keep them coming! Peace out until the next phase!

Reishin Amara

I have kept "Librarian Works" in my mind, though they will come in later for I think they play a part in the story.

KakeruPB

I hope that I answered your questions, about the Normandy and the Osiris

Titanic X

As I said before, I have plans for LOGOs and the other non-nice groups in this story.

ZAFTPrime

I'm glad you like this story, and when I can make the time to read your story, school and life take my time unfortunately.